Pros, Cons and Selection Factors for Oval Diamonds, Part 1

Partially due to celebrity endorsement and partially due to their fantastic qualities, one diamond shape that’s become enormously popular in recent years is the oval-cut diamond. Known for sparkle and softness while covering a large finger area, elongated oval diamonds come in a variety of distinct styles and band accompaniments.

At AAA Jewelers, we offer a huge range of GIA certified diamonds to all our clients in need, including a wide selectin of oval-cut options. Why are these types so popular today, and might one be right for your next diamond purchase? This two-part blog series will dig into everything you need to know here, including pros and cons of each plus some general tips on the qualities to prioritize as you select an oval diamond.

Primary Benefits of Oval-Cut Diamonds

There are several distinct benefits of oval diamonds for those who purchase them:

• Size: Oval diamonds are naturally elongated, allowing for the maximum size perception despite limited carat weight, plus no compromising of your sparkle factor. They take up a lot of space on the finger, and often give the impression of a much larger diamond.
• Cost: Because they’re often much smaller than they actually look, you get great value when you purchase an oval-cut diamond. The larger spread is part of the shape, not carat weight which drives price.
• Sparkle: As we noted above, there’s no sacrifice to sparkle – the oval cut is one of the single brightest out there.
• Durability: Oval diamonds also lack sharp corners or major scratch risks, making them ideal for daily wearing without the risk of catching or scratching items.
• Settings: The oval diamond cut also allows for several setting choices depending on your preferences.

Potential Drawbacks of Oval-Cut Diamonds

Now, there are some possible drawbacks of the oval cut diamond in certain cases. They include:

• Demand: As we noted above, oval-cut diamonds are enormously popular today and in recent years. Those over the 2-carat level, in particular, have incredibly high demand and can be tougher to find in specific color and clarity combinations.
• Bowtie effect: This is a notable effect where light does not distribute evenly throughout the diamond, causing a “bowtie” of darkness to appear in the center of the stone. However, most oval cut diamond bowtie effects are light and barely visible, if they can be seen at all.
• Flaws: Oval cuts may also amplify certain flaws or inclusions within the diamond, meaning you’ll need the right level of clarity and color to avoid these risks. Luckily, because these options are cheaper than comparable round cuts, you’ll have more room in your budget for clarity and color.

To learn more about oval diamonds or any of our diamond engagement rings or fashion jewelry, speak to the staff at AAA Jewelers today.